I'm a huge fan of both Temi and Kate. I'm sorry to see Temi leave the Fever, and I'm happy Kate will (should) get a lot more playing time. They both will do great at GS!
@MargueriteFahey Hahaha....I have been all over the bay area. Used to drive to Half Moon Bay and Drakes Bay. Never got into the water. It was too cold.
@@MarkRichter-j2l true, plus they drafted Temi and alot of fever fans love Temi too so yeah i think the two of them together will draw a significant fanbase
Temi started the last playoff game…. Smith started over Temi all season. It’s a huge loss but they did win a lot without her. This draft has made the Fever a lesser team than pre draft. Hopefully Fever have plans in free agency that they can make things happen
Just think, next year this same thing will happen for 2 more teams. Going to be tough to lose someone you like on the team but that is what you can expect from expansion.
Agreed. We have to think of it this way: Temi was a restricted FA and the Valkyries had the cap space and were clearly interested in her. So either the Fever protect her and then have to match a high offer (maybe 150+k) from the Valkyries, or let her go anyways. And had the Fever matched her, the cap space would be gone to bring in impactfull free agents. So yeah, I get why they did it. Still sad to see her go.
Temi will be amazing on the Valkyries, especially with Kate for sure. It was def a strategic $$ move from the Fever. As much as I'll miss Temi bc she is an amazing person, I am excited to see the team Coach White creates.
The I think the Kate trade was intentional, she had one of the top selling jerseys last year and they let her go, they also stopped playing her after the All-Star break. I think this was due to her getting to much shine and they couldn't have her outshine Aja. The Aja comment was for show, Kate will be in a much better place now anyway.
There were "2" teams that were passed on. The Chicago Skye didn't have anyone chosen that played foe them. What was chosen was a player that was drafted 5 years ago but doesn't want to play for Chicago.
I try to find the good things and there is some good in the Temi loss. She's got good vibes with Caitlin, whose absolutes best friend just got selected as well. Temi could be the BEST asset in the show for Kate as she makes the move. I don't expect that she's any happier than we are that she wasn't protected, but it could be a huge plus up for Kate with the established Caitlin connection.
Valkyries will be my 2nd fav after the Fever to cheer on. Happy for Kate and she's going to kill it there not to mention the fans she'll bring with her. As much as I like Temi on the Fever I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision and there must be some reason behind the scenes.
I'm super happy for Kate. I'd rather see her on a less talented, but better group of humans than the toxic aces. Maybe she will even be a starter and average double digits. Would love that for her.
Kate should be a starter and the face of the Franchise along with whoever they might draft. None of the other players have the fan base Kate does, and several Euro players there that may not even play in the WNBA next year. They are definitely looking to play uptempo by the style of players they chose.
Kate Martin in WNBA and Yuki Kawamura in the NBA are fan favourites despite where they play or how many minutes they play. Everybody loves them. Very kind and hardworking players.
The Caitlin Clark EFFECT! Kate is popular simply because of her association with Caitlin. Same thing happened with Aaliyah Boston, or Lexi Hull.... PEOPLE CANT GET ENOUGH OF CC THAT THEY WILL LOVE ANYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH HER !!!!! Wake up WNBA !!!!
I actually asked on the WNBA Reddit why Indy let Temi be drafted & the response I got was mainly that Indy could be starting the process of clearing their cap space in anticipation for the new CBA in 2026 in which the majority of the league will be FA, thus putting Indy in an advantageous spot since 2 of their best players (Clark & Boston) are on cheap rookie deals
More immediate than that. The Fever is desperately missing a good Forward, and it's definitely not Smith. They are handicapped without one in the next season.
Rachel DeMita is such an articulate, attractive and informed commentator. It is a pity that she has to use hyperbolic titles - I am sure the WNBA administration etc. etc. is not "shocked". I agree like virtually everyone else on TH-cam, you seem to have to do this in order to get attention/clicks/views.
Maybe the Fever has a free agent on a hand shake deal that is taking Temi's job and will all come out in January. Or maybe Temi wanted too much money or wanted to go to San Francisco. These are just guesses because Temi is a keeper. Kate is doing her best Rocky workouts getting ready for next season. She should be ready to go and excel. She can touch the rim. Is a dunk in her future? That would be fantastic. A change of scenery is just what she needs.
Temi😭😭😭 We'll definitely miss you and what would have been fun games with you and CC. But go, be the best you can be. We'll still love and watch you thrive.
The Expansion draft was a PR disaster, another inept act by the W. But worst of all was the secrecy, who was "cored" and which players were available to be drafted. If not for Temi it would be instantly forgettable.
If it ultimately means that we can actively pursue Satou Sabally and trade Smith then I’m all for it. Sorry Temi, we hate to lose you and we definitely wish you well.
I can't imagine the Fever protected NaLyssa and I don't imagine the Valkyries wanted her either. But I could be wrong. The six t-shirts you can buy in their merch store are: Berger, KM, NaLyssa, EW, CC, Boston. Nothing for Lexie Hull... Then again I could be reading too much into it 😊
They protected NaLyssa. She is signed for $92K next season, has talent and trade value. She would average a double double for a team like GS. No one they chose is going to come close to those numbers.
It’s also possible that Indy decided to protect Berger so that they’d still have a backup PG for Clark (in case Wheeler decides to leave due to her now being a FA)
@@dewuster8885 Berger is younger, can back up CC and Mitchell and has two years left on her rookie deal. Wheeler won't return unless it is for the veteran minimum.
I asked about Temi on the WNBA Reddit & based on quite a few responses, one of the reasons Indy may have left Temi unprotected was b/c she was a restricted FA (while Grace, Dantas, Smith still are under contracts)
@@SockAccount2024 Basically it is about the Benjamins. Temi, being a free agent, will most certainly get a MUCH larger offer than what she was paid last season by the Fever. GS picking Temi means they have the opportunity to match whatever offer she commands. Indy simply doesn't have the money to pay Temi twice (or more) than what she made last season (where she missed half the games)
Money Martin will get playing time and prove to be a top player. Fever will miss Temi, but trust in Kelly K, she has a plan. I question all the international players??? They are talented, but if they never show up and play what good are they going to be?
During the expansion draft broadcast, their new coach was interviewed about the kind of players she wanted. When she said she wanted people that put the team first, I thought to myself that means they aren’t taking NyLyssa. I don’t hate her or anything…just think the team chemistry could be better if she went elsewhere. Also, that’s awesome you are donating to animal shelters. I’ll put your videos on repeat on 15 devices. 🎉
I'm thinking Berger was protected. Don't forget that Coach White watched Grace play a lot while commentating for the B1G. Sides blew that one, as well as so many others.
What is so shocking about it? Kate Martin wasn't chosen by the Aces to play much at all. They were happy to offload her. I am happy she will now get more time on the court. Temi's move to the Valkyries is also not surprising. Temi is 31 and has had injury problems. I have no doubt that the management and coach have planned for this situation.
I have season tickets to the Valkyries so YAY. As a fever fan, I was born in the hoosier state but boiler up I understand why they let Temi go for cap space and super excited to see her at Chase Center.
I mean, I don’t think they could protect Temi. If you think about it, im sure they protected: Caitlin, Kelsey, Aliyah, Lexie, NaLyssa, and Erica (most likely). Just don’t know who they would have switched out for Temi. 🤷🏼♂️ Too bad, but good for her that she got picked up.
I thoroughly enjoyed Temi as part of the Fever. But if you can only protect six that means half the team isn't protected. Sure there are others that I'd would have preferred to be chosen, but that just isn't the way the ball bounces.
Probably a Godsend for Kate to be selected so she can play and Im sure she will. As for Temi sorry she had to go but they did need to keep Smith as she has more trade value with her youth and I dont see Smith staying with the fever. I dont mind that the fact that Berger didnt get selected and most likely was not protected and White will use Berger as opposed to what Sides did with her.
I wish they had protected Temi, but I'm also excited to see her and Kate together and the game I'm now most looking forward to is the Valkyries vs the Fever.
Temi is a free agent, so GS could have just offered her a big bag and not wasted a pick on her. That tells me that GS didn't want any of the unprotected players (meaning Berger was protected).
Pairing up Kate and Temi was a no brainer. It was coordinated with the Fever. It brings up another team to improve the image of the league. The rest of the league is going to have to step up.
I'm sad that Temi is gone. All Fever fans wanted Temi to stay and NaLyssa Smith to get booted from the Fever. I feel this is all part of Fever president Kelly Krauskopf's recruitment strategy. Smith is the ONLY player that has trade value from the players they are prepared to cut. If there is any hope of signing a cored Satou Sabally then the Fever will need a player like Smith to assisting in getting that deal across the line. Also, Kelsey Mitchell will get cored and will need to be offered a super max contract to stay and (given that Satou is on $190K) the Fever will need to offer her a near max contract to get the deal done. There will also be additional trades that the Fever will be looking to free up cap space for. Temi was due an upgrade that the Fever couldn't agree to.
Should have protected Fagbenle and let Smith get selected if it were to happen. Temi can run the court for Clark. Smith is too slow. It is a fast paced offense. Need people who can move. I do worry Kate will get lost in the shuffle. A new team it won't take much for them to sub people in and out, and if something starts working with Kate on the bench. She will again remain on the bench and possibly let go if they don't feel she works with what they wanna do. Time will tell though. We shall see.
I think it's clear to me that the Valkaries were not building a team, they where building a locker room. I think that they are going to be a 'culture first team. Picking Martin and Temi are clear indicators of that. One thing that didn't get examined was that they didn't really take anybody from the Chicago Sky. Maria Conde was the official pick but she has never played for the Sky. She never played in the WNBA at all. I doubt she'll come to the Valkaries but they didn't want to pick someone from the toxic Sky locker room. The Storm also has what is considered a toxic or at least a controversial locker room which is probably why there was no pick from there. Both Temi (From Indiana) and Martin (from Iowa came from teams with a tightly knit locker room. Carla Lieti is also a player who has never played in the WNBA. I don't think this was a culture issue it's just that the Wings did't have anybody else wortwhile in the draft. But all of this indicates that team cohesion is of primary concern here. I agree with this. It just makes sense. Right now the team consists of 9 (maybe 11) players who have never played together. They need to have a strong locker room to weather the storm that is coming for them. They need to learn how to rely on each other. Temi wasn't protected by the Fever and the fans are going nuts but there might be a very good reason for it. She's a restricted free agent and the talk was that she would be very expensive to keep. So if she was protected then the only options the Fever would have would be to match any offer that came along or let her go anyway. I don't think keeping her was an option. They were likely to lose her anyway. The Valkaries can afford to match any offer made. I think they decided to protect Smith because she has some trade value. I watched a lot of Hawkeye basketball so I am happy for Kate Martin. She was called 'The Glue' when she was at Iowa and her coaches thought that one day she would be on too.
Rachel I didn't know you lived in Texas! I would like to help with the shelters in a tiny way. I have $20 for you if I can figure out how to get it to you. You have a great and big heart.
Thank you, that is so kind!! just tune into each video or donate that $20 to an animal shelter near you in honor of Courtside Club 🙏🏼. Thank you again!
I wasn’t shocked at all! Happy for Temi & Kate. They’ll get a ton of playing time. Can’t wait to see them together. Glad they kept Dantas ❤ Smith, Katie Lou, & Grace will get traded, imo
So happy for Kate to get an opportunity - and get away from the Toxicity that is Aja Wilson & Company And…I Honestly feel like the Valkyries have a pretty good team via that draft
Fever losing temi going to hurt them the long run hope they get a replacement soon. She was the one who guard A'Ja Wilson im guessing someone correct me if I'm wrong
THE WNBA SHOULD SORT OUT THE CURRENT LEAGUE BEFORE THERE IS ANY EXPANSION, THAT SAID, IM GLAD KATE GOT AWAY FROM THE ACES , AT LEAST SHE CAN DEVELOP AS A PLAYER NOW, INSTEAD OF KEEPING THE BENCH WARM AND HURTING FRAGILE EGOS
Fever is going for youth... likely going to run an uptempo game for years. IMO, they are looking for a similar but younger free agent. No draft pick will replace her. Watch for the big play in 25 season or 26 season.
Realistically, the Fever are probably 2-3 years away from their championship window opening. Fever fans should be prepared that they're may only be 4-5 current players on the roster when that window opens. And, as much as Temi was loved, she battled injuries this year and that typically doesn't improve with age. Combine all that with her restricted free agency and the Fever were kind of in a spot. They're going to give Kelsey max money. And I'm sure they're looking to add another free agent that is going to chew up a lot of cap. If Temi had gone out on the open market and someone offered her money that Indiana couldn't match, then they would've had to let her go. And as upset as a large portion of the fan base is that she was unprotected, I'm guessing the s-storm generated by not matching another teams offer would be even worse.
Im curious how they came up with 6 instead of 5? You get to protect your starters - but why more than that? The expansion teams need just a modicum of a chance.
Smith is under contract for $92K (Katie Lou is getting $180K btw). Temi is a free agent, and Indy would have to match any offer from another team to keep her. It ain't rocket science.
Unfortunately Temi has become accident prone and a risk , we must trust our management hopefully we get Satou ,another great rookie and maybe one more health veteran ! Go Fever !
Honestly, I thought Temi was too raw talent wise and felt more like a developmental project, which shouldn't be the case by her age. Maybe I'm too used to the NBA, but by your 30's you should be a very refined consistent player and she simply wasn't.
Once Temi was unprotected, the Fever could have protected just Caitlin, Aliyah, Kelsey and Lexie. There's been some talk that Temi was on the way out for a team that could pay her more than the Fever would or could. Of course many of us are totally bummed. As for NaLyssa's trade value, there's no word about who might want her. So after all the drama, NaLyssa may end up right where she was, playing power forward. Which opens the door to a little deal making with D'J. Pull any funny stuff with Caitlin and your girl will never touch the ball and what good will that do her? Bad stuff.
Valkerie want the fans so obviously they got Martin, Temi leavingnis ok with her age and injury. I think Smith was not protected but Valkerie don't want her.
Coach Nakase was the Aces assistant coach that pushed for las vegas to draft Martin so it's no surprise she wanted her for Golden State.
I'm a huge fan of both Temi and Kate. I'm sorry to see Temi leave the Fever, and I'm happy Kate will (should) get a lot more playing time. They both will do great at GS!
Kate was saved.
The storm are toxic no one wants their players
Temi😢😢😢
KATE IS GONNA DRAW LOTS OF FANS
Honestly, Kate is just a "friendlier" version of Angel. Go to Half Moon Bay and keep riding that wave Kate!!!!
@MargueriteFahey
Hahaha....I have been all over the bay area. Used to drive to Half Moon Bay and Drakes Bay. Never got into the water. It was too cold.
@@arthurhamilton5222only time I ever went into the ocean around that area was to fish…only surfers go in the water there
@@MarkRichter-j2l true, plus they drafted Temi and alot of fever fans love Temi too so yeah i think the two of them together will draw a significant fanbase
Kate just won the lottery by not having to be on the same team as Aja.
Aja must be thrilled that she can once again lead the aces in jersey sales.
And let's not forget, Aja will be happy that more of the 'white privilege' is gone.
HAHAHAHA ...... my man!! You get bonus points for a great sarcasm remark!!
With four jerseys sold ...
Temi started the last playoff game…. Smith started over Temi all season. It’s a huge loss but they did win a lot without her. This draft has made the Fever a lesser team than pre draft. Hopefully Fever have plans in free agency that they can make things happen
As for Temi we all wanted her back in Indiana. But sometimes there are very hard choices to make in an expansion draft. Thats just the way it works.
Just think, next year this same thing will happen for 2 more teams. Going to be tough to lose someone you like on the team but that is what you can expect from expansion.
Agreed. We have to think of it this way: Temi was a restricted FA and the Valkyries had the cap space and were clearly interested in her. So either the Fever protect her and then have to match a high offer (maybe 150+k) from the Valkyries, or let her go anyways. And had the Fever matched her, the cap space would be gone to bring in impactfull free agents.
So yeah, I get why they did it. Still sad to see her go.
@sparkyman8249 so true. Just wonder how those expansion drafts will work in a fair and balanced way
Truth
Temi will be amazing on the Valkyries, especially with Kate for sure.
It was def a strategic $$ move from the Fever. As much as I'll miss Temi bc she is an amazing person, I am excited to see the team Coach White creates.
The I think the Kate trade was intentional, she had one of the top selling jerseys last year and they let her go, they also stopped playing her after the All-Star break. I think this was due to her getting to much shine and they couldn't have her outshine Aja. The Aja comment was for show, Kate will be in a much better place now anyway.
it was not a trade
100% A'Ja wanted her off the team. Noone is allowed to outshine her in anything. Not on court and not off court.
A'ja is toxic. I think she is also very racist.
😂
There were "2" teams that were passed on. The Chicago Skye didn't have anyone chosen that played foe them. What was chosen was a player that was drafted 5 years ago but doesn't want to play for Chicago.
That speaks volumes about the ski too
I try to find the good things and there is some good in the Temi loss. She's got good vibes with Caitlin, whose absolutes best friend just got selected as well. Temi could be the BEST asset in the show for Kate as she makes the move. I don't expect that she's any happier than we are that she wasn't protected, but it could be a huge plus up for Kate with the established Caitlin connection.
I'm sure a lot of us Kate fans are happy she's out of Aces. Plum should follow her lead!
Yes, I hope Plum signs with someone else. Actually I hope all the players can get away from A'ja!
@@rebauer2000 whats wrong with Aja?
Valkyries will be my 2nd fav after the Fever to cheer on. Happy for Kate and she's going to kill it there not to mention the fans she'll bring with her. As much as I like Temi on the Fever I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision and there must be some reason behind the scenes.
Whatever the reason its the wrong reason 😭 i want her back 😢
Valkyries will soon be selling out arenas. They and the Fever will be the economic force of the W.
I'm super happy for Kate. I'd rather see her on a less talented, but better group of humans than the toxic aces. Maybe she will even be a starter and average double digits. Would love that for her.
Kate should be a starter and the face of the Franchise along with whoever they might draft. None of the other players have the fan base Kate does, and several Euro players there that may not even play in the WNBA next year. They are definitely looking to play uptempo by the style of players they chose.
Excited for Temi Fagbenle, also sad that she was not protected. A great defensive player which was the category in which the Fever was very weak on.
Stat wise she didnt really bring anything to the team and was injured most season ?
I was hoping they protected Temi. 😢 Maybe it was because she struggled with so many injuries last season.
Van loo off of the Mystic’s was the actual steal of the expansion draft!
so nice of you to doing that. fully support you
I wasn’t surprised she was unprotected due to her age even though she was a great fit with CC last season.
She also has injury concerns, was a restricted FA, & is an international player (meaning it’s not guaranteed she’ll actually play in the WNBA)
Who cares she was the only big girl that can do it all. Boston slow. Smith slow. You need a big that is lengthy and can run
Kate Martin in WNBA and Yuki Kawamura in the NBA are fan favourites despite where they play or how many minutes they play. Everybody loves them. Very kind and hardworking players.
The Caitlin Clark EFFECT! Kate is popular simply because of her association with Caitlin. Same thing happened with Aaliyah Boston, or Lexi Hull.... PEOPLE CANT GET ENOUGH OF CC THAT THEY WILL LOVE ANYTHING ASSOCIATED WITH HER !!!!! Wake up WNBA !!!!
So happy for Kate! Also - would love to recommend the Pug Rescue of Austin for a donation 🥰
I actually asked on the WNBA Reddit why Indy let Temi be drafted & the response I got was mainly that Indy could be starting the process of clearing their cap space in anticipation for the new CBA in 2026 in which the majority of the league will be FA, thus putting Indy in an advantageous spot since 2 of their best players (Clark & Boston) are on cheap rookie deals
This is the best explanantion I have heard and would add that there is a non zero chance she comes back to the Fever at some point for that reason.
Smith, Lexi, and Saxton all are still on rookie deals as well
More immediate than that. The Fever is desperately missing a good Forward, and it's definitely not Smith. They are handicapped without one in the next season.
@@victorforeman7056also in 2026 Katie Lou's $180k salary is freed up because her immovable contract expires.
The picks of Temi and Kate by GS could be strategic and productive from the start. This combo may be as lucrative as CC and Temi.
... injury season, advancing age, not really surprising for Temi
... as for Martin, franchise stuck w-their MVP... wasn't liking Martin's-huge-fan-base, STT ... (great luck for Vals)
So happy Kate finally escaped from Becky and aja. She can do more in Golden State Valkyries 🎉
She’s not very good
@@M21655 She will sell tickets and merch though. Nakase knew exactly what she was getting with THIS pick.
@@MargueriteFahey sell tickets? The WNBA can't even turn a profit. This has nothing to do with money
@@MargueriteFahey The WNBA has not turned a profit one year since it came into existence. This has absolutely nothing to do with ticket sales.
@@MargueriteFahey The WNBA has not turned a profit one year since it came into existence. This has absolutely nothing to do with ticket sales.
Rachel DeMita is such an articulate, attractive and informed commentator. It is a pity that she has to use hyperbolic titles - I am sure the WNBA administration etc. etc. is not "shocked". I agree like virtually everyone else on TH-cam, you seem to have to do this in order to get attention/clicks/views.
Valkyries gonna end up being my 2nd favorite team. They got players that are likable instead of the rest of the league.
Maybe the Fever has a free agent on a hand shake deal that is taking Temi's job and will all come out in January. Or maybe Temi wanted too much money or wanted to go to San Francisco. These are just guesses because Temi is a keeper.
Kate is doing her best Rocky workouts getting ready for next season. She should be ready to go and excel. She can touch the rim. Is a dunk in her future? That would be fantastic. A change of scenery is just what she needs.
Temi😭😭😭 We'll definitely miss you and what would have been fun games with you and CC. But go, be the best you can be. We'll still love and watch you thrive.
Things could still change. Teams can still trade. That is when the real excitement begins.
The Expansion draft was a PR disaster, another inept act by the W. But worst of all was the secrecy, who was "cored" and which players were available to be drafted. If not for Temi it would be instantly forgettable.
If it ultimately means that we can actively pursue Satou Sabally and trade Smith then I’m all for it. Sorry Temi, we hate to lose you and we definitely wish you well.
I can't imagine the Fever protected NaLyssa and I don't imagine the Valkyries wanted her either. But I could be wrong. The six t-shirts you can buy in their merch store are: Berger, KM, NaLyssa, EW, CC, Boston. Nothing for Lexie Hull... Then again I could be reading too much into it 😊
Smith has a high trade value, can't just give her up for nothing.
They protected NaLyssa. She is signed for $92K next season, has talent and trade value. She would average a double double for a team like GS. No one they chose is going to come close to those numbers.
Indiana protected Barger because of what she doing in Turkey
It’s also possible that Indy decided to protect Berger so that they’d still have a backup PG for Clark (in case Wheeler decides to leave due to her now being a FA)
@@dewuster8885 Berger is younger, can back up CC and Mitchell and has two years left on her rookie deal. Wheeler won't return unless it is for the veteran minimum.
I'm hoping there are things happening behind the scenes to justify letting go of Temi. If not maybe it's all about the benjamins.
I asked about Temi on the WNBA Reddit & based on quite a few responses, one of the reasons Indy may have left Temi unprotected was b/c she was a restricted FA (while Grace, Dantas, Smith still are under contracts)
@dewuster8885 Thanks for the info !
@@SockAccount2024 Basically it is about the Benjamins. Temi, being a free agent, will most certainly get a MUCH larger offer than what she was paid last season by the Fever. GS picking Temi means they have the opportunity to match whatever offer she commands. Indy simply doesn't have the money to pay Temi twice (or more) than what she made last season (where she missed half the games)
@MargueriteFahey That makes sense. Thanks so much !!
Chill out. The Fever's management is thinking big. Letting Temi go was a good move.
Vanloo was the best pick up for GSV
Money Martin will get playing time and prove to be a top player. Fever will miss Temi, but trust in Kelly K, she has a plan. I question all the international players??? They are talented, but if they never show up and play what good are they going to be?
It’s good that there’s expansion for the WNBA. I’m just not feeling the Toronto Tempo name lol 😂
During the expansion draft broadcast, their new coach was interviewed about the kind of players she wanted. When she said she wanted people that put the team first, I thought to myself that means they aren’t taking NyLyssa. I don’t hate her or anything…just think the team chemistry could be better if she went elsewhere. Also, that’s awesome you are donating to animal shelters. I’ll put your videos on repeat on 15 devices. 🎉
Great for Kate! Temi will be missed, Grace or Wheels was the other protected I guess.
I'm thinking Berger was protected. Don't forget that Coach White watched Grace play a lot while commentating for the B1G. Sides blew that one, as well as so many others.
All those "racist" Fever fans upset that Temi got traded.
I was surprised they didn't draft Pilli, she's a good shooter and athletic
What is so shocking about it? Kate Martin wasn't chosen by the Aces to play much at all. They were happy to offload her. I am happy she will now get more time on the court. Temi's move to the Valkyries is also not surprising. Temi is 31 and has had injury problems. I have no doubt that the management and coach have planned for this situation.
I have season tickets to the Valkyries so YAY. As a fever fan, I was born in the hoosier state but boiler up I understand why they let Temi go for cap space and super excited to see her at Chase Center.
I mean, I don’t think they could protect Temi. If you think about it, im sure they protected: Caitlin, Kelsey, Aliyah, Lexie, NaLyssa, and Erica (most likely). Just don’t know who they would have switched out for Temi. 🤷🏼♂️ Too bad, but good for her that she got picked up.
I thoroughly enjoyed Temi as part of the Fever. But if you can only protect six that means half the team isn't protected. Sure there are others that I'd would have preferred to be chosen, but that just isn't the way the ball bounces.
Probably a Godsend for Kate to be selected so she can play and Im sure she will. As for Temi sorry she had to go but they did need to keep Smith as she has more trade value with her youth and I dont see Smith staying with the fever. I dont mind that the fact that Berger didnt get selected and most likely was not protected and White will use Berger as opposed to what Sides did with her.
I wish they had protected Temi, but I'm also excited to see her and Kate together and the game I'm now most looking forward to is the Valkyries vs the Fever.
Temi is a free agent, so GS could have just offered her a big bag and not wasted a pick on her. That tells me that GS didn't want any of the unprotected players (meaning Berger was protected).
UWIAN NA!! Woooooo 🥹🤝
Shocked? She wasn't even supposed to be drafted by the Aces and was only there to support Caitlin
Looks like Aja's back to having the number one selling Jersey of active Aces players.
Pairing up Kate and Temi was a no brainer. It was coordinated with the Fever. It brings up another team to improve the image of the league. The rest of the league is going to have to step up.
I'm sad that Temi is gone. All Fever fans wanted Temi to stay and NaLyssa Smith to get booted from the Fever. I feel this is all part of Fever president Kelly Krauskopf's recruitment strategy. Smith is the ONLY player that has trade value from the players they are prepared to cut. If there is any hope of signing a cored Satou Sabally then the Fever will need a player like Smith to assisting in getting that deal across the line. Also, Kelsey Mitchell will get cored and will need to be offered a super max contract to stay and (given that Satou is on $190K) the Fever will need to offer her a near max contract to get the deal done. There will also be additional trades that the Fever will be looking to free up cap space for. Temi was due an upgrade that the Fever couldn't agree to.
Temi fagbenle was a huge part for the Indiana fever she ran the floor in transition well plus she fit so well for Caitlin Clark.🏀💯
Should have protected Fagbenle and let Smith get selected if it were to happen. Temi can run the court for Clark. Smith is too slow. It is a fast paced offense. Need people who can move.
I do worry Kate will get lost in the shuffle. A new team it won't take much for them to sub people in and out, and if something starts working with Kate on the bench. She will again remain on the bench and possibly let go if they don't feel she works with what they wanna do. Time will tell though. We shall see.
Can't wait to see Kate on her new team! Will miss Temi but we all don't know what is going on with the front office in what they are thinking.
Luv kate Martin 💖
Excellent take.
Not happy with Indiana letting Temi go.
What a loss for the Fever! Temi is a great player and a class act. I wish her nothing but the best!
She wasn't great.
NOT HAPPY ABOUT TEMI LEAVING THE FEVER.
VERY HAPPY FOR KATE 👏🏽👏🏽
I think it's clear to me that the Valkaries were not building a team, they where building a locker room. I think that they are going to be a 'culture first team. Picking Martin and Temi are clear indicators of that. One thing that didn't get examined was that they didn't really take anybody from the Chicago Sky. Maria Conde was the official pick but she has never played for the Sky. She never played in the WNBA at all. I doubt she'll come to the Valkaries but they didn't want to pick someone from the toxic Sky locker room. The Storm also has what is considered a toxic or at least a controversial locker room which is probably why there was no pick from there. Both Temi (From Indiana) and Martin (from Iowa came from teams with a tightly knit locker room. Carla Lieti is also a player who has never played in the WNBA. I don't think this was a culture issue it's just that the Wings did't have anybody else wortwhile in the draft. But all of this indicates that team cohesion is of primary concern here. I agree with this. It just makes sense. Right now the team consists of 9 (maybe 11) players who have never played together. They need to have a strong locker room to weather the storm that is coming for them. They need to learn how to rely on each other.
Temi wasn't protected by the Fever and the fans are going nuts but there might be a very good reason for it. She's a restricted free agent and the talk was that she would be very expensive to keep. So if she was protected then the only options the Fever would have would be to match any offer that came along or let her go anyway. I don't think keeping her was an option. They were likely to lose her anyway. The Valkaries can afford to match any offer made. I think they decided to protect Smith because she has some trade value.
I watched a lot of Hawkeye basketball so I am happy for Kate Martin. She was called 'The Glue' when she was at Iowa and her coaches thought that one day she would be on too.
I love Fagbenie but she’s too injury prone
Rachel I didn't know you lived in Texas! I would like to help with the shelters in a tiny way. I have $20 for you if I can figure out how to get it to you. You have a great and big heart.
Thank you, that is so kind!! just tune into each video or donate that $20 to an animal shelter near you in honor of Courtside Club 🙏🏼. Thank you again!
Kate Martin being on the golden state Valkyries is definitely gonna get a lot of people and fans in the stands in san Francisco there.🏀💯
It’s fine. Temi has oven mits for hands around the basket. They can find someone else to take her spot.
I think it just shows the Seattle storm have been dealing with a lot of drama and the Valkyries didn't want any of those problems.🏀
I wasn’t shocked at all! Happy for Temi & Kate. They’ll get a ton of playing time. Can’t wait to see them together. Glad they kept Dantas ❤ Smith, Katie Lou, & Grace will get traded, imo
So happy for Kate to get an opportunity - and get away from the Toxicity that is Aja Wilson & Company
And…I Honestly feel like the Valkyries have a pretty good team via that draft
Fever losing temi going to hurt them the long run hope they get a replacement soon. She was the one who guard A'Ja Wilson im guessing someone correct me if I'm wrong
Hopefully Indy willingly let Temi be unprotected b/c they have a plan in place…
@@dewuster8885 Temi is a FREE AGENT meaning they lost nothing except the right to match an outrageous contract they don't have the money to match.
I thikk they should have protected Temi. Great Commentary.
Maybe now Kate Martin can get some playing time.
THE WNBA SHOULD SORT OUT THE CURRENT LEAGUE BEFORE THERE IS ANY EXPANSION, THAT SAID, IM GLAD KATE GOT AWAY FROM THE ACES , AT LEAST SHE CAN DEVELOP AS A PLAYER NOW, INSTEAD OF KEEPING THE BENCH WARM AND HURTING FRAGILE EGOS
Fever is going for youth... likely going to run an uptempo game for years.
IMO, they are looking for a similar but younger free agent. No draft pick will replace her.
Watch for the big play in 25 season or 26 season.
My cat is losing his damn mind over your hand gestures.
I thought Haley Jones to Golden State was a shoe in. I was surprised
Realistically, the Fever are probably 2-3 years away from their championship window opening. Fever fans should be prepared that they're may only be 4-5 current players on the roster when that window opens. And, as much as Temi was loved, she battled injuries this year and that typically doesn't improve with age. Combine all that with her restricted free agency and the Fever were kind of in a spot. They're going to give Kelsey max money. And I'm sure they're looking to add another free agent that is going to chew up a lot of cap. If Temi had gone out on the open market and someone offered her money that Indiana couldn't match, then they would've had to let her go. And as upset as a large portion of the fan base is that she was unprotected, I'm guessing the s-storm generated by not matching another teams offer would be even worse.
Not a word about Julie Vanloo? Did you watch her? She’s not only a proven point guard but she’s got flair.
Ode to Temi: Temi! Temi, Temi Temi (Southpark - Timmy) IYNYK
Considering that they didn’t protect Kate, I’m pretty sure the Aces are cool with it.
They didn’t want the storms drama 🤣
So glad that Kate gets to shine.❤❤❤
Im curious how they came up with 6 instead of 5? You get to protect your starters - but why more than that? The expansion teams need just a modicum of a chance.
Caitlin Clark has made the wnba so relevant even Rachel De Mita is giving us updates on the league 😂and people care AHHMAZING
Kate Martin going to the valkyries is the best thing for her!!! I don't think the Aces appreciated Kate Martin..
If only Fever protected Temi instead of Smith....
Kate is going to go crazy🔥!
they didn't protect temi but kept nalyssa smith hmm
Wanting to trade Smith I believe
Yup trade her is more better
I asked this on WNBA Reddit & quite a few people explained that there’s a good chance Indy will use Smith as a trade piece.
Smith is under contract for $92K (Katie Lou is getting $180K btw). Temi is a free agent, and Indy would have to match any offer from another team to keep her. It ain't rocket science.
@MargueriteFahey well I didn't keep track of what any of them were getting paid
Unfortunately Temi has become accident prone and a risk , we must trust our management hopefully we get Satou ,another great rookie and maybe one more health veteran !
Go Fever !
Honestly, I thought Temi was too raw talent wise and felt more like a developmental project, which shouldn't be the case by her age. Maybe I'm too used to the NBA, but by your 30's you should be a very refined consistent player and she simply wasn't.
This exactly. She was missing lay ups.
Love Kate Martin, best of luck!
The way the Pacers are playing, they could easily be a WNBA expansion. Haliburton would look great in a blonde wig.😅
I’m from the bay area and am so excited!
Temi draft broke Fever hearts.😢💔
Once Temi was unprotected, the Fever could have protected just Caitlin, Aliyah, Kelsey and Lexie. There's been some talk that Temi was on the way out for a team that could pay her more than the Fever would or could. Of course many of us are totally bummed. As for NaLyssa's trade value, there's no word about who might want her. So after all the drama, NaLyssa may end up right where she was, playing power forward. Which opens the door to a little deal making with D'J. Pull any funny stuff with Caitlin and your girl will never touch the ball and what good will that do her? Bad stuff.
Agreeing that this should be a great new start for Kate. Would be nice if there were fewer cuts in your video. A little disconcerting
She never played anyway. Let’s face it if she wouldn’t have played with Clark at Iowa nobody would know who she is.
WNBA IS SHOCKED ?!! Nothing shocks the WNBA, including horrendous referring.
Valkerie want the fans so obviously they got Martin, Temi leavingnis ok with her age and injury. I think Smith was not protected but Valkerie don't want her.